Pavia: Alzheimer, the territorial network to treat and prevent dementia presented at Mondino

An integrated territorial network to treat and prevent dementia: this is the Ricor-Dare project which continues with the creation of a Dementia Operations Center and information desks in the area. The Alzheimer Cafés will also soon be active in the Pavia area, in Lomellina and Oltrepò

Dementia: 9 thousand cases in the province of Pavia

There Dementia is one of the increasing disorders among the world’s population: WHO predicts that by 2030 it will affect 75 million people and 132 million by 2050, with an annual increase of 10 million new cases. This incidence also affects our country: only in Lombardy is it estimated that people over 65 suffering from dementia reach 164 thousand. The ISS Dementia Observatory estimates in particular, in the province of Paviathe presence of 9,000 cases of which 6,000 with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the number of users diagnosed with dementia who access social and health services is reduced compared to literature estimates due to the diagnostic delay of the pathology and the hidden nature of the phenomenon.

The Ricor-Dare project

To respond to this phenomenon, the Ricor-Dare project, integrated territorial dementia networkfinanced by the Cariplo Foundation as part of the call “Welfare in Aging” 2023. A synergy that involves Mondino IRCCS Foundationproject leader, ASP Pavia And Domicare Consortium territorial headquarters of Pavia. The goal is to create and consolidate a network that connects all the local actors who take care of those suffering from dementia and their families and support the integration of services.

Intense work, which began at the end of 2023 and in these first months has resulted in many meetings with all potential interested parties in the project: ATS Pavia, ASST Pavia, all the CDCDs of the province, the representatives of the General Practitioners, the Social Services of the Municipality of Pavia and the Pavese Social Consortium, the pharmacy network.

One of the key elements of the project is to provide different services based on different targetscreating points of interest and information useful to family members and caregivers, but also to professionals such as general practitioners, social workers and operators, who encounter cases of cognitive impairment. This emerging sensitivity is of great help in intervening on this disease, as patients are not treated due to shame, inexperience or fear, denying them the possibility of intervening in a preventive phase.

The Dementia Operations Center and the Information Desk

The model created is very effective and has among its objectives the creation of two structures available to users: there Dementia Operations Center and Information Desk, operational since March 4, two points of reference that can communicate with both professionals and families and caregivers. Here family members, already put to the test by their loved one’s illness, can ask for information on the care and assistance paths, participate in training sessions and initiatives dedicated to them or learn more about other elements of interest.

The Dementia Operations Centre, located at the Saint Margaret of Pavia, answers the number 0382 380600, every day from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 13.00 or to the dedicated email [email protected]: it is also possible to access it physically at the same times, by appointment. They work here two neuropsychologists and a social worker, who have already started welcoming and meeting families, offering them information and listening to their needs and concerns. One is also available at Santa Margherita Information desk, who receives by appointment from Monday to Friday afternoon. Furthermore, there are two other information points available to users, one at the IMondino Foundation Neurological Instituteactive from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 13.00 and a second in Lomellina, at the Mondino Health Center – ARS Medicain via del Carmine 27 in Vigevano, always active from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 13.00.

Another distinctive element of the project is to create an information network to support the territory, which is carrying out an information campaign aimed at those close to the patient (professionals and family members) to enhance the services available to them with brochures and posters. The places involved are i CDCD (center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia), the clinics of general practitioners, the provincial network of pharmacies, the social services of the Province, community homes and clinics, parishes, social promotion associations and Territorial CAFs. A capillary distribution that allows inform the entire citizenryin contexts where it may be easier to intercept the most fragile individuals and their families.

Among the subjects involved in the network, family associations also play an important role in promoting awareness among citizens on the topic: a solid partnership has been established with ADMA Pavia, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Association, association of family members who are supporting the communication of Ricor-Dare services thanks to the contribution of their volunteers. These activities also have a purpose of raising awareness which aims to make communities increasingly closer to the topic of dementia, so as not to create a wall of distance with the rest of the citizens. This type of illness, in fact, carries with it a stigma which in the eyes of family members makes them incurable and, as such, they are experienced with distance, almost creating shame: an element which influences making many of these cases hidden and not considered, therefore not adequately treated.

Alzheimer’s Cafés

The latest development of the project in chronological order is the opening, expected by the end of May, of the Caffè Alzheimer of Pavia and Stradella. It’s about informal meeting places for older people with dementia and their caregivers where we can get together and discuss the difficulties encountered and will be scheduled once a week.

This project is active in Vigevano for years: consolidated and appreciated by its users, it will be integrated into the project. For those interested, simply contact the Dementia Operations Center and report your interest. Furthermore, they are open days on memory disorders planned, open to citizens in central places for citizen aggregation.